I stopped in as a visitor for Saturday Vigil. I found a seat easily and its is July so parking was not an issue. You do have to have some patience on the way out. I would come back again to try more services. We moved down here and are looking at different churches and parishes. My husband is Lutheran and I was raised Catholic. We'll come back again . read more

Here's a fun math problem: if there's five aisles, seven eucharistic ministers, two random seating areas in the back and about a dozen people standing along the wall, how many different communion patterns can they come up with? Answer: a different one every weekend. The place is always packed (mostly older people). Even if you show up 5-10 minutes early it still might be a struggle to find a seat. They've had some very nice visiting priests recently that give good homilies. I'm a visitor but a pretty consistent one, so I've been here a lot but it's not like I've been part of the parish for years. Everything related to logistics is a mess. The parking situation in the back will make you need to go to confession. If you're able to walk or ride a bike that's the best option. I already mentioned the very strange communion patterns but I hope someone reads this review and thinks about adding some consistency. read more

I'm coming from NYC every summer season for many years to Bethany Beach and I have in fell in love of this beautiful Church. They have every day Mass at 8:30am and several services in Sunday, which allow me and family to start my day with peace in my heart and soul, early enough to continue with all family 's sports and fun activities. This Bethany Beach Comunity also showed a profound faith during the service. read more

If you're from out of town and hoping to get married in a Catholic Church in the area, don't choose Saint Ann's. Was recently in a wedding here and the lady running the place (Maryann) was so rude. The entire rehearsal she appeared very obviously frustrated by the bride and groom. She would scoff, roll her eyes, say things under her breath. Very passive aggressive. The priest even asked her if she had something to say at one point. She is extremely negative and creates a toxic energy around the wedding day. After the ceremony while we were waiting for people to leave she announces to the entire wedding party "I can't go home until you take your pictures". She made everything about her, it was very rushed. Even one of the wedding vendors said she is mean to them when they have to deliver to the church. read more

My husband and I are thinking of retiring in Ocean View Delaware. But, before making this decision, I would like to check out the Catholic churches in the area. We have always traveled to church but as we get older would prefer a church within about a 30 minute drive. We are use to a church that is warm and welcoming; not one where everyone just rushes in and out to "get it in." We are also use to great music (combination of contemporary and traditional) and excellent preaches that inspires and makes you want to be a better person. Based on the reviews, I'm not sure St. Ann's is the place. But, I thought I would leave this in case someone is looking at this and can recommend a church. My husband and I will also get involved when we find the right church! Please note the above one star is not a review! read more

This church is devoid of any true Catholic spirituality. Why? Here is my analysis as a life-long church musician. (And yes, I've done all types of church music...from the illicit when I was a kid to the truly sacred, as an adult.) 1. The architecture is a model of the worst of modern Catholic architecture where the architect decided on the utility of an auditorium over the beauty of a inspiring sacred space. 2. The liturgy reminds me of a bad experience in a shopping mall, where one is assaulted by too-bright fluorescent lights, unpleasant noises and cheap goods. 3. The current Pastor is of the school of priests who cannot get enough of his own personality -- as opposed to getting his ego out of the way and allowing Christ to come through him. 4. The current, Pastor, as of 8/13 - publicly insults people for his own amusement and to prove something to himself and the congregation - but I have no idea what that might be. The past Sunday he made fun of the visiting missionary priest from the Philippines who was wearing a neck brace because he had been in a horrible accident and was recovering. 5. The whole parking lot thing is a nightmare - parishioners must park in lines one in front of another - to accommodate the influx of tourists. That would be fine except that after such a liturgy as this, we all wanted to escape - desperately - and found ourselves held captive in the parking lot. 6. The music - another parish that sadly - has no idea of the power and beauty of truly sacred music done to serve the liturgy and uplift the soul to God. I know the parishioners here are extremely well-intentioned, faithful people who have been led down a path of mediocre, un- inspiring, boring liturgy that serves no one. I have gone to church here many times over the past 10 years or more and it's always the same. I don't know how the faithful deal with this every week - but I'm a regular church goer, daily at times, and I will never go back to this church. Not without a 'sea change'. Just my 2 cents. Take it or not....peace. read more

We have gone to St Ann's for 30 years in the summer and are now full time locals. It is not run well unfortunately. The parking lot is an abomination, the church itself is a gymnasium and the sermons are condescending and pretty much thoughtless. I wish there was another choice. The auxiliary Spanish church is run the same way. Pls God, forgive me for telling the truth. The parish ppl are just so wonderful. Can't we have a church that suits us a tiny bit? read more

We enjoyed having Fr. Christopher Hanley at St. Ann's church. He is an exemplary priest who has opened our eyes to how much our Lord loves us and taught us to love Him more deeply and desire to draw more closely to Him. Fr. Hanley has done this by the very devoted way he celebrates Mass, through his thought-provoking homilies at the Eucharist, and through his personal life. Fr. Hanley's sense of humor has given us many a laugh and shown us how to face our own difficulties, illustrating an inner joy that is a touchstone of a person close to God. He has touched many lives and we are grateful for him! read more

We love St. Ann's. We attend church here whenever we are lucky to be down in Bethany. Even though we are "part-timers' belonging to another parish for the large part of the year, they were wonderful in allowing our daughter to be married here since the beach was very special to her and her husband. St Ann's could not have been more welcoming and accommodating which meant a great deal to us. The "church men" are so friendly and we make a point to always be here for the summer sale. Parking is creative but it certainly is necessary in the summer to accommodate the large crowds and does adds a few minutes wait but after all...we are at church...what is a few more minutes? Seriously. read more